11/08/2024
By Kerry Patenaude

The Faculty Senate has instituted a new process to ensure a thorough, campus-wide review of all University-level policy proposals. The process is as follows: After introduction at Senate, the policy is available for comment by all College Curriculum Committees for one week, followed by one week for comment by college deans. It will appear on the agenda for UPC, then GPAC, and finally, return to Senate for a vote by members. 

A proposal, an invitation for open comment, and important dates are detailed below.

Overview of the Policy Proposal

Presented to Faculty Senate for Initial Discussion on November 4, 2024:

Proposal to Increase Allowed Transfer Credits

This university-wide proposal seeks to increase the maximum number of transferable credits from two-year schools from 60 to 75 credits without requiring a petition process. Currently, UMass Lowell will allow up to 75 transfer credits from accredited two-year institutions to be applied toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. The proposal seeks to increase that allowed number to 75 to be competitive with peer institutions. For the full proposal and rationale, please see Curriculog for the proposal’s details.

Invitation for Open Comment

The Faculty Senate voted on November 4, 2024 to move the proposal into the 2-month review cycle for university-level policies. During this time, we invite the UML community to review the proposal and provide comment at the upcoming UPC meeting on December 9, which is open to the public. You are also welcome to send comments or questions to faculty_senate@uml.edu.

To view the full proposal and supporting documents and read the comments log in to Curriculog, our campus curriculum management system. All faculty, administrators and staff can access Curriculog with their email credentials. If you need assistance, email curriculog@uml.edu.

The proposal will be on the following Committee and Senate agendas:

UPC Meeting
Date: Monday December 9, 2024
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: Saab ETIC Perry Atrium

GPAC Meeting
Date: Monday December 16, 2024
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall 102

Faculty Senate Meeting #5
Date: Monday February 3, 2025
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: Moloney Ballroom (University Crossing, Room 260)

The Faculty Senate is committed to transparent governance and effective communication, and we hope this invitation for comment from the campus community will help us meet those goals. Thank you for your attention to this proposed change to our transfer credit policy.

Kevin Petersen, Faculty Senate President
Kerry Patenaude, Associate Director of Faculty Senate Operations & Curriculum Management